Wilful damage case struck out over double charge

By GEORGINA KOREI
A CENTRAL court has struck out a wilful damage charge against a medical officer of the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital because she was charged twice.
Magistrate Alex Kilandi said of the case against Joycelyn Sogoling, 38, of Gaeng village, Pindiu, in Morobe: “I have realised that the defendant was charged twice on the same offence and I have seen in the police files that nothing has been transpired from the investigation, therefore the case is struck out.
“You cannot charge a person twice for the same offence as this is against the law.”
“The K500 defendant’s bail be refunded.” Police Prosecutor George Vetari said there was objection from the prosecution.
It was alleged that on April 6, 2021, between 2pm and 3pm, Dr Sogoling and her two accomplices, Dr Ludwig Nanawar and Moses Paul Pingina, were seen at the vicinity of the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital.
The trio were allegedly screaming and shouting with swearing words as they approached the vehicle of the hospital’s chief executive officer.
Pingina allegedly flattened the front right tyre by pressing on the valve of the tyre and releasing the air.
The reasons behind the damage caused to the vehicle were unknown.
Sogoling was arrested and charged with one count of wilful damage.